If you’re thinking about purchasing a high-end luxury vehicle, Acura is likely on your radar. Whether you’re new to the brand or you’re a die-hard fan, it’s key to dig into reliability ratings to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth.
Are Acura vehicles reliable?
Acura vehicles fall in the middle of the pack, with reliability ratings that range from 2.5 to 3.5 out of five stars.
Vehicle History Reviews for the Acura TLX:
- Owner Reviews: 4.57 out of 5 stars
- Expert Reviews: 4.3 out of 5 stars
When you’re gathering information to buy a new car, it can be tough to keep everything straight. Here, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Acura’s reliability. We’ll take a look at the history of the Acura brand, go over reliability stats for each currently produced model, and discuss what you need to do next before you make a down payment on a new vehicle.
Acura: A Brief History
A part of the Honda family of cars, Acura got its start in 1981 when Honda began the creation of a new luxury brand. Honda designers were working to make a car that would appeal to the luxury market. The new brand was officially announced in 1984, and Honda decided that Acura would do better as its own brand, separate from the Honda name.
Acura did very well in the U.S. markets and inspired Toyota and Nissan to launch their own offshoot luxury brands as well. Acura has continued to innovate and change the market today. The Acura NSX was the first vehicle to be made aluminum in the ’90s, and the brand continues to show that it paves the way for changes in the luxury vehicle sector. The Acura name is now synonymous with high class, and drivers have come to know and expect top-of-the-line tech, safety, and comfort features from the brand.
Acura ILX Reliability
The Acura ILX is at the top of its class when it comes to reliability, ranking 4.5 out of 5 stars for the 2020 version. Repair costs are estimated to be just $435 per year, which puts the ILX in the excellent category for ownership costs. According to NHTSA, there have been no recalls or customer complaints filed for the 2020 ILX.
Acura TLX Reliability
The Acura TLX ranks right up there with the ILX in terms of reliability, ranking 4.5 out of 5 stars for the 2020 model. Repair costs are estimated at $440 per year, which puts the TLX in the same category of excellence as the ILX when it comes to ownership costs. According to NHTSA, there haven’t been any recalls for the TLX, but there has been one customer complaint filed regarding an issue with a tire. According to the complaint, it’s likely that the vehicle experienced tampering, and Acura was not at fault.
Acura RDX Reliability
This is where reliability ratings for Acura begin to tank a bit – the RDX ranks as just 2.5 out of 5 when it comes to reliability. While drivers say the vehicle handles well and is fun to drive, repair costs come in at $497 per year, still significantly under the national average for SUVs, but higher than other Acura models.
While Acura hasn’t issued any recalls for the RDX, 41 customer complaints have been filed with NHTSA, signaling that there are significant performance issues with the vehicle.
Common complaints with the RDX include:
- Sudden loss of power while driving at high speeds
- Collision avoidance system activating for no reason, increasing the likelihood of a crash
Acura MDX Reliability
With annual repair costs of just $269 and a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the MDX is a highly reliable option for drivers who want the luxury of the Acura brand with a car they can rely on. According to NHTSA, Acura hasn’t issued any recalls for the 2020 MDX, and no driver complaints have been filed.
Ready to Purchase a New Vehicle? Take These Steps
If you’re thinking about purchasing a new or new-to-you car, you’re being smart by doing your research before you head out for a test drive. Next, get a report from Vehicle History. You’ll get insider tips from drivers and experts alike to help you make the right purchase decision.
